The Booklover's Guide to New Orleans

by Susan Larson

The literary tradition of New Orleans spans centuries and touches every genre; its living heritage winds through storied neighborhoods and is celebrated at numerous festivals across the city. For booklovers, a visit to the Big Easy isn't complete without whiling away the hours in an antiquarian bookstore in the French Quarter or stepping out on a literary walking tour. Perhaps only among the oak-lined avenues, Creole town houses, and famed hotels of New Orleans can the lust of A Streetcar Named Desire, the zaniness of A Confederacy of Dunces, the chill of Interview with the Vampire, and the heartbreak of Walker Percy's Moviegoer begin to resonate. Susan Larson's revised and updated edition of The Booklover's Guide to New Orleans not only explores the legacy of Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner, but also visits the haunts of celebrated writers of today, including Anne Rice and James Lee Burke. This definitive guide provides a key to the books, authors, festivals, stores, and famed addresses that make the Crescent City a literary destination.

Genres: Nonfiction, Travel, Books About Books

241 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first edition of this reference book from cover to cover. Not sure when I will do that with this updated edition, but as soon as I got the book home, I read the Lafcadio Hearn entries since I'm rereading Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things, and learned new things about him that surprised me, not to mention the title of a Hearn biography I want to read one day.

I'm sure there will be more in this space at a later time.

Susan is not only a pleasant, openhearted person, but one of the best advocates this city has.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun city guide for the bookish New Orleanian...where to read, who to read, where to buy books, where to think, and where to drink!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great reference book. Fun and comprehensive. Susan has plans for an updated edition one day, which I look forward to.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Orleans is a literary community that reflects the love of storytelling among Louisianans and the inspiration that writers feel when they witness the cast of characters amid settings you can’t make up. Fiction or non-fiction, book editor Susan Larson has covered the authors throughout Louisiana and the Gulf Coast since the 1980s. No one knows books and the creative folks who make them better than Larson. This pocket sized book has been updated and it it a must before your next trip. It’s helpful whether you’re a book or theatre lover, a history fan, or traveler. Check out her podcast, The Reading Life.

[Nancy Jaynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other reviewers are calling this a reference book, but having grown up in New Orleans, I loved reading this book. I’m in my 60s now, so reading this was a bit of a nostalgia trip for me in that it triggered memories and reminded me of events, people, and places that I heard my parents talking about when I was a child.

[Andy Chrestman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent reference book but it is definitely for the true bibliophile and NOLA-phile. I love books and I love New Orleans but not enough to give a shit about the city’s remarkably dull literary history dating back to the 18th century or the fact that Faulkner lived here for six months or that Michael Lewis is from here. Check it out it you’re really into this things. Pass if not.

[J.H. Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is primarily a reference book for New Orleans literary scene with lists of of bookshops, recommended book lists, festivals, and homes of famous authors, etc. But there is also a short section on the literary history of the city which I found really interesting. The author has a lot of knowledge about, and love for, the city and it comes through on every page.

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The booklover's guide to most anywhere would appeal to me, but to NOLA? I'm so excited to own this! It will be coming with me on my trips to the city. The guide starts with the literary history of New Orleans, from the French on through A Confederacy of Dunces and into contemporary literature and poetry. It includes lists of literary places, resources, and bookstores. And then.... the BOOK LISTS! Fiction, non-fiction, African-American, gay, poetry, art and architecture, and Katrina-specific fiction/nonfiction/poetry/etc. I love this part the best, of course, because now I have more lists to finish! The author does a great job at offering a sentence or two about why she's recommending the specific works or authors she listed.

Food: this is a menu larger than the Cheesecake Factory's. There's something here for everyone.

[Haley Whitehall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learn about famous authors who have called New Orleans home. This book would be great if you're planning a trip to New Orleans and are looking to add some literary stops on your tour.

There was nothing wrong with this book. It was just different from what I was expecting. There is a lengthy list of New Orleans bookshops and a New Orleans reading list for all tastes and ages.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must have resource book if you're a book nerd and plan to visit New Orleans! Gives info on author's of New Orleans, bookstores to visit while in the Big Easy, bars and restaurants frequented by writers and authors. Fun book!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has it all in regards to New Orleans literature: a history, residence guide, bookstore listing, and guide to NO books. Very comprehensive and well written.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have serious regrets about not reading this earlier. This book has unleashed havoc on my to-read list and my travel plans. I need one for every city I might ever want to travel to, please and thank you.

[Chelsea (ChelsBookStop) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book for my english thesis. It made me want to visit NOLA again and do nothing but follow her booklover's guide and see the city in a new view! Maybe adding another trip to my bucket list!